To the average person, this vast code of As, Ts, Gs, and Cs is baffling and overwhelming. However, a map of the human genome offers unlimited potential to scientists. Some of the benefits of genome research include:

• Molecular Medicine: improved diagnosis of disease, earlier detection of genetic predispositions to disease, gene therapy, and pharmacogenomics. (custom drugs)
• Microbial Genomics: vaccines, antibiotics, and diagnostics for infectious diseases, new energy fuels (biofuels); environmental monitoring to detect pollutants; protection from biological and chemical warfare; and safe, efficient toxic-waste cleanup.
• Risk Assessment: assess health damage risks caused by radiation exposure, chemicals and cancer causing toxins.
• DNA Forensics: identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes; exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes; establish paternity and other family relationships.
• Bioarchaeology, Evolution, and Human Migration: study evolution through germline mutations in lineages; study migration of different population groups based on mitochondrial DNA; compare breakpoints in the evolution of mutations with ages of populations and historical events.
• Agriculture, Livestock Breeding, and Bioprocessing: produce disease, insect, and drought-resistant crops; produce healthier, more productive, disease resistant farm animals, nutritious produce, biopesticides, edible vaccines incorporated into food products.